Solar energy collection system for use in generating electric power from solar energy

ABSTRACT

A solar energy collection system for use in generating electric power from solar energy is provided. The system is comprised of a solar energy collector ( 16 ), a lens ( 14 ), and a support structure ( 12 ) for supporting the lens. The lens is comprised of one or more shaped surfaces ( 300 ) configured for modifying a path of incident light. In this regard, the lens provides an optical path which is used to expose the solar energy collector to a source of solar radiation ( 116 ). As such, the lens is interposed between the solar energy collector and an anticipated location of a source of solar radiation. The support structure includes an inflatable chamber defining an interior volume within which a gas is constrained. The inflatable chamber is comprised of a non-porous membrane ( 114 ). According to an embodiment of the invention, the lens is supported in position by the non-porous membrane. According to another embodiment of the invention, the lens is comprised of a portion of the non-porous membrane.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Statement of the Technical Field

The invention concerns solar energy collection systems, and more particularly, solar energy collection systems including a focusing lens and a solar energy collector.

2. Description of the Related Art

There are currently in use a wide variety of systems and methods for utilizing solar power as a source of energy. For example, photovoltaic systems are widely known for converting sunlight into electricity. Another common type of system is the Fresnel lens system. A Fresnel lens system is a type of solar concentrating system where sunlight is focused by a Fresnel lens toward a thermal collector system and/or a photovoltaic system for conversion of thermal energy into electricity. Yet another common type of system is the solar trough. The solar trough is a type of solar thermal system where sunlight is concentrated by a curved reflector onto a pipe containing a working fluid that can be used for process heat or to produce electricity. Solar thermal electric power plants using solar concentrating technology are well known.

A variation of the solar concentrating technology is a photovoltaic concentrator system. The photovoltaic concentrator system uses sun-tracking mirrors that reflect light onto a receiver lined with photovoltaic solar cells. The mirrors concentrate the incident solar energy on the solar cells so that they can be illuminated to two hundred times normal solar concentration. Such systems can convert at efficiencies greater than twenty percent (20%). The balance of the solar energy is converted into heat.

Despite the advantages offered by the foregoing systems, they still have not achieved a level of efficiency necessary for certain applications. For example, near space vehicles may be used in different applications, such as monitoring troops, surveillance of combatants, delivery of communications, and/or disaster area monitoring. Near space vehicles are proposed to travel between sixty thousand (60,000) feet to eighty thousand (80,000) feet above sea level. Consequently, near space vehicles travel above the reach of conventional weapon systems and free from the threat of weather interference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention concerns a solar energy collection system for use in generating electric power from solar energy. The system includes a solar energy collector, a lens, and a support structure for supporting the lens. The lens is disposed at a location spaced apart from the solar energy collector. The support structure includes an inflatable chamber defining an interior volume within which a gas is constrained. The inflatable chamber is comprised of a non-porous membrane. According to an embodiment of the invention, the lens is supported in position by the non-porous membrane. According to another embodiment of the invention, the lens is comprised of at least a portion of the non-porous membrane.

According to an aspect of the invention, the lens is interposed between the solar energy collector and an anticipated location of a source of solar radiation. The lens is comprised of an optically transparent material having one or more contoured surfaces configured for modifying a path of incident light. In this regard, the lens focuses solar radiation towards the solar energy collector when the lens is exposed to the source of solar radiation. According to an embodiment of the invention, the lens is advantageously selected to include a Fresnel lens. According to another embodiment of the invention, the lens is comprised of two or more individual smaller lenses which together form an array of lenses or light reflectors.

According to another aspect of the invention, the solar energy collector is configured for collecting thermal energy from solar radiation. As such, the solar energy collector is comprised of a solar trough collector, a flat-plate collector, and/or a photovoltaic cell.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the solar energy collection system is disposed on a vehicle. In such a scenario, the inflatable chamber includes a portion of the vehicle's lift system. The vehicle's lift system is comprised of a lighter-than-air gas contained in the interior chamber. The gas is constrained within the chamber by a non-porous membrane.

A method for collecting solar energy is also provided. The method includes exposing a solar energy collector to a source of solar radiation. Advantageously, a lens is positioned at a location spaced apart from the solar energy collector. The lens is supported at this location using an inflatable chamber defining an interior volume within which a gas is constrained. The gas is constrained within the interior volume by a non-porous membrane. According to an embodiment of the invention, the lens is supported in position by the non-porous membrane. According to another embodiment of the invention, the lens is comprised of at least a portion of the non-porous membrane.

According to an aspect of the invention, the method includes positioning the lens between the solar energy collector and an anticipated location of a source of solar radiation. The method also includes concentrating incident solar energy toward the solar energy collector. According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further includes selecting the lens to be a Fresnel lens. According to another embodiment of the invention, the method includes forming the lens from two or more smaller lenses which together form an array of lenses or light reflectors.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the gas constrained by the non-porous membrane is a lighter-than-air fluid. As such, the method further includes using lift provided by the inflatable chamber to transport the solar energy collector to a near space altitude (for example, 60,000 feet above sea level).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will be described with reference to the following drawing figures, in which like numerals represent like items throughout the figures, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of solar energy collection system that is useful for understanding the invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a solar energy collection system that is useful for understanding the invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a solar energy collection system that is useful for understanding the invention.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a solar energy collection system taken along the line 4-4.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a solar energy collection system taken along the line 4-4.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a near space vehicle that is useful for understanding the invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the near space vehicle of FIG. 6 taken along line 7-7.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the near space vehicle of FIG. 6 taken along line 8-8.

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a near space vehicle including a focusing lens that is useful for understanding the invention.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the near space vehicle of FIG. 6 taken along line 10-10.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged, partial cross sectional view of a second embodiment of the near space vehicle of FIG. 6 taken along line 10-10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a side view of solar energy collection system 100 that is useful for understanding the invention. FIG. 2 is a front view of a solar energy collection system 100. Solar energy collection system 100 is comprised of at least one lens 104, a support structure 102 for supporting a lens, and a solar energy collector 106.

Solar energy collector 106 is configured to collect photonic and thermal energy from a source of solar radiation 116. As such, solar energy collector 106 is comprised of a solar trough collector, a flat-plate collector, and/or photovoltaic cells. Solar energy collectors are well known to persons skilled in the art. Thus, solar energy collectors will not be described in great detail herein.

As shown in FIG. 1, solar energy collector 106 is coupled to a support pedestal 110. Support pedestal 110 is comprised of any material commonly used in the art, such as a metal, a metal alloy, a composite material, or a rigid polymer. The position of solar energy collector 106 can be adjusted with support pedestal 110 such that a solar energy collection surface 108 constantly faces the source of solar radiation 116. For example, support pedestal 110 can be designed with a movable portion that forms an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism can include control systems, electronics, sensors, pivot joints, and servo-motors such that solar energy collector 106 can be rotated and/or pivoted about one or more axis. Such systems are well known to persons skilled in the art and can allow solar energy collector 106 to follow the movement of the source of solar radiation 116 (for example, the sun).

Referring again to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, support structure 102 is formed of an inflatable chamber 112 defining an interior volume within which a gas is constrained. The inflatable chamber 112 is comprised of a non-porous membrane 114 that is suitable for constraining the gas within the chamber. The non-porous membrane 114 can be formed of any suitable flexible, high-strength fabric. For example, the non-porous membrane 114 can be comprised of one or more film layers comprised of a polyacrylonitrile material, a polyethylene material, a terephthalate material, a polyimide material, a polyvinylidene chloride material, a polyurethane material, a natural fiber material, and/or a synthetic fiber material. A portion of the non-porous membrane 114 can be opaque. However, it should be appreciated that the non-porous membrane 114 also includes at least a portion formed of a transparent, non-porous material. For example, a transparent polyethylene material can be used for this purpose.

At least one lens 104 is disposed at a location spaced apart from solar energy collector 106. Lens 104 provides an optical path which is used to expose the solar energy collector 106 to a source of solar radiation 116. As such, lens 104 is interposed between the solar energy collector 106 and an anticipated location of the source of solar radiation 116. Lens 104 is comprised of any optically transparent material, such as transparent polymer films, glass or plastic. Such transparent polymer films can include a polyester film and/or a polyimide film. Such plastics can include an acrylic based plastic, a polymethyl-methacrylate based plastic, a polyvinyl chloride based plastic, a polycarbonate based plastic, and/or a high density polyethylene plastic. Referring now to FIG. 3, it can be observed that lens 104 is also comprised of one or more contoured surfaces 300 configured for modifying a path of incident light. It should be appreciated that lens 104 can be designed with a varied cross-sectional profile for achieving optimal concentration of solar radiation on solar energy collector 106. Lenses are well known to persons skilled in the art. Thus, lenses will not be described in great detail herein.

For convenience, lens 104 is described herein as a single unit. However, it should be understood that lens 104 can actually be comprised of a plurality of individual lenses arranged as an array of lenses or light reflectors. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the optimal arrangement of individual lenses forming such an array will largely depend upon the arrangement of solar energy collector 106. In general, however, an array of lenses can be useful for the purpose of focusing incident solar radiation on a plurality of predefined areas comprising the solar energy collector 106. For example, if a solar trough collector is used, then one or more lenses in the array can be designed to concentrate solar radiation along a linear area defined by the solar trough. If an array of solar troughs is used, then one or more lenses in the array can be arranged and shaped to concentrate solar radiation along a plurality of linear areas defined by the plurality of solar troughs forming the solar tough array. Of course, other solar energy collectors having different geometries would dictate different arrangements of lenses to focus the solar radiation as needed. The present invention can be implemented using any such lens arrangement as may be necessary or desirable for concentrating solar radiation on a particular portion of solar energy collector 106.

According to an embodiment of the invention, lens 104 is advantageously selected to include a lens that performs similar to a Fresnel lens. In this regard, it should be understood that such a lens can be a thin, flat optical lens having concentric grooves configured for modifying a path of incident light. It should also be understand that such a lens can be formed of a material that is suitable for a particular solar energy collection system 100 application. For example, the lens can be comprised of a light weight material, such as a plastic.

According to another embodiment of the invention, lens 104 is advantageously selected to include a Fresnel lens. The Fresnel lens is a thin, flat optical lens having concentric grooves configured for modifying a path of incident light. Fresnel lenses are well known to persons skilled in the art. Thus, Fresnel lenses will not be described in great detail herein.

However, it should be appreciated that the Fresnel lens can be selected of a type that is suitable for a particular solar energy collection system 100 application. For example, the Fresnel lens can be selected as a positive Fresnel lens, a negative Fresnel lens, a Fresnel lens array, a circular Fresnel lens, a linear Fresnel lens, or a Fresnel reflection lens. Additionally, the Fresnel lens can be manufactured using any technique common in the art for tooling an optical lens. Such techniques include tooling techniques and molding techniques.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the Fresnel lens can be comprised of one or more panels having shaped surface segments configured for modifying a path of incident light. The panels can be formed of glass or plastic. Such plastics can include an acrylic based plastic, a polymethyl-methacrylate based plastic, a polyvinyl chloride based plastic, a polycarbonate based plastic, and/or a high density polyethylene plastic. According to another embodiment of the invention, the Fresnel lens can be constructed of one or more panels having shaped surface segments, embedded optical materials (such as thin glass strips), or a combination of these two constructions. The panels can be formed of a transparent polyester film, transparent polyimide film, or any other transparent film suitable for an optic application. The thickness of the film can be contoured or varied to produce desired optical effects. If embedded elements are used, they can be adhered to the surface of the film or disposed between transparent film layers.

According to an embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4, lens 104 is supported in position using non-porous membrane 114. In this regard, at least a portion of non-porous membrane 114 can be comprised of a transparent material configured for allowing an unobstructed passage of solar radiation through membrane 114. According to one embodiment, lens 104 can be attached to non-porous membrane 114 using a suitable attachment mechanism. For example, the attachment mechanism can be a bonding medium. The bonding medium can be selected as cement, an epoxy based adhesive, a polyester based adhesive, a urethane based adhesive or any other medium commonly used in the art. The adhesive can be applied at selected locations where the lens 104 contacts the non-porous membrane 114. Alternatively, if a transparent adhesive is used, it can be applied over the entire contact surface between the lens 104 and the non-porous membrane 114. It should be appreciated that mechanical fasteners can also be used to attach lens 104 to non-porous membrane 114. In this regard, any suitable mechanical fastener can be used for this purpose.

According to another embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5, lens 104 is comprised of a portion of the non-porous membrane 114. For example, non-porous membrane 114 can be comprised of a cut-out designed to frame the outer rim 200 of lens 104. The cut-out edge of membrane 114 and the outer rim 200 of lens 104 can be coupled together by any suitable means. For example, lens 104 can be attached with a bonding medium, stitching, thermal welding, ultrasonic welding or any other method. The bonding medium can be selected as cement, an epoxy based adhesive, a polyester based adhesive, a urethane based adhesive or any other medium commonly used in the art for similar purposes.

A person skilled in the art will further appreciate that the solar energy collection system 100 is one embodiment of a solar energy collection system. However, the invention is not limited in this regard and any other suitable solar energy collection system can be used without limitation provided that it includes a lens, a solar energy collector, and an inflatable support structure for the lens.

Aerial Vehicle Application

The present invention can be implemented on an aerial vehicle. One significant advantage of using the solar energy collection system in an aerial vehicle application is that the inflatable chamber described herein can form part of the vehicle's lift system. Accordingly, the following discussion describes the present invention in the context of an aerial vehicle application. Still, it should be understood that this description is merely presented as one possible arrangement, and the invention is not limited in this regard.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of an aerial vehicle 600 that is useful for understanding the invention. According to one embodiment of the invention, the aerial vehicle 600 can be a solar powered airship. However, the invention is not limited in this regard and the solar energy collection system can be used in other types of vehicles.

Referring now to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, aerial vehicle 600 is comprised of a lift system 708 and a propulsion system 716. Aerial vehicle 600 also includes at least one lens 706, a support structure 724 for the lens, and a solar energy collector 710. Lens 706, support structure 724, and solar energy collector 710 can have a construction similar to that previously described for these components in connection with FIG. 1 through FIG. 5. Aerial vehicle 600 can also include any desired payload such as an imaging system 718 and a sensor system 720. Imaging systems and sensor systems are well known to persons skilled in the art. Thus, such systems will not be described in detail herein.

Lift system 708 provides lift to aerial vehicle 600. According to one embodiment of the invention, lift system 708 is comprised of a lighter-than-air fluid (e.g., helium, hydrogen, natural gas, or hot air) constrained within an interior volume defined by a non-porous membrane 722. The non-porous membrane 722 can be formed of any suitable flexible, high-strength fabric. For example, the non-porous membrane 722 can be comprised of one or more thin film layers comprised of a polyacrylonitrile material, a polyethylene material, a terephthalate material, a polyimide material, a polyvinylidene chloride material, a polyurethane material, a natural fiber material, and/or a synthetic fiber material. The non-porous membrane 722 can also be formed of any transparent, non-porous material. For example, a transparent polyethylene material can be used for this purpose. The non-porous membrane 722 can further be formed of any material commonly used in the art for the construction of an airship.

Propulsion system 716 controls the vehicle's direction of travel and can also control the vehicle's altitude (pitch, roll, and yaw). Propulsion system 716 is used for guiding a take off, guiding an ascent, guiding a decent, guiding a landing, and maintaining a geostationary position. For example, propulsion system 716 can be used to maintain a position where lens 706 and solar energy collector 710 constantly face a source of solar radiation.

At least one lens 706 is disposed at a location spaced apart from solar energy collector 710. Lens 706 focuses solar energy, at an intensity greater than its incident intensity, toward solar energy collector 710 when lens 706 is exposed to a source of solar radiation. Lens 706 can also reflect light that is out of an incident path of the solar energy collector 710 towards the toward solar energy collector 710 when lens 706 is exposed to a source of solar radiation. In this regard, lens 706 is interposed between solar energy collector 710 and an anticipated location of the source of solar radiation. This arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11. Lens 710 is comprised of any suitable optically transparent material. Such materials include transparent polymer films, glass or plastic without limitation. Transparent polymer films can include a polyester film and/or a polyimide film. Plastics can include an acrylic based plastic, a polymethyl-methacrylate based plastic, a polyvinyl chloride based plastic, a polycarbonate based plastic, and/or a high density polyethylene plastic. It should be appreciated that lens 706 can be designed with a varied cross-sectional profile for achieving optimal concentration of solar radiation on solar energy collector 710. It should also be appreciated that the lens 706 can be comprised of one or more reflective surfaces to redirect incident light. Lenses are well known to persons skilled in the art. Thus, lenses will not be described in great detail herein.

For convenience, lens 706 is described herein as a single unit. However, it should be understood that lens 706 can actually be comprised of a plurality of individual lenses arranged as an array of lenses or light reflectors. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the optimal arrangement of individual lenses forming such an array will largely depend upon the arrangement of solar energy collector 710. In general, however, an array of lenses can be useful for the purpose of focusing incident solar radiation on a plurality of predefined areas comprising the solar energy collector 710. For example, if a solar trough type collector is used, then one or more lenses in the array can be designed to concentrate solar radiation along a linear area defined by the solar trough. If an array of solar toughs is used, then one or more lenses in the array can be arranged and shaped to concentrate solar radiation along a plurality of linear areas defined by the plurality of solar troughs forming the solar trough array. Of course, other solar energy collectors having different geometries would dictate different arrangements of lenses to focus the solar radiation as needed. The present invention can be implemented using any such lens arrangement as may be necessary or desirable for concentrating solar radiation on a particular portion of solar energy collector 710.

Referring again to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, solar energy collector 710 is configured to collect thermal energy from a source of solar radiation. In this regard, solar energy collector 710 is comprised of a solar trough collector, a flat-plate collector, and/or a photovoltaic cell. Solar energy collectors are well known to persons skilled in the art. Thus, solar energy collectors will not be described in great detail herein.

A shown in FIG. 7, solar energy collector 710 is coupled to vehicle 600 by a support pedestal 714. Solar energy collector 710 and support pedestal 714 are disposed within the interior chamber of lift system 708. In this regard, the size and weight of solar energy collector 710 and support pedestal 714 can dictate the interior chamber's design (i.e., the type of high-strength material forming the interior chamber, the size of the interior chamber, and the specifications of any required support structure).

Support pedestal 714 can be comprised of any material commonly used in the art, such as a metal, a metal alloy, a composite material, or a rigid polymer. The position of solar energy collector 710 can be adjusted by or in conjunction with support pedestal 714 such that a solar energy collection surface 712 constantly faces a source of solar radiation. For example, support pedestal 714 can be designed with a movable portion that forms an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism can include a control system, electronics, sensors, pivot joints, and servo-motors such that solar energy collector 710 can be rotated and/or pivoted about one or more axis. Such systems are well known in the art and can allow solar energy collector 710 to follow the movement of a source of solar radiation (for example, the sun).

According to an embodiment of the invention, an adjustment mechanism of support pedestal 714 can be used to place solar energy collector 710 in a position to face a source of solar radiation. According to yet another embodiment of the invention, propulsion system 716 in conjunction with an adjustment mechanism of support pedestal 714 can be used to place lens 706 and solar energy collector 710 in a position to face the source of solar radiation.

As shown in FIG. 7, vehicle 600 has a height 704 and a length 702. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the height 704 and length 702 can be selected in accordance with a vehicle 600 application. For example, the size of vehicle 600 can be selected so that the vehicle 600 provides sufficient lift for the systems described herein and some predetermined payload. The payload can be selected in accordance with a vehicle application. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the structure of the vehicle 600 can be comprised of any material commonly used in the art for airships, such as lightweight, high-strength fabrics.

Referring now to FIG. 9, lens 706 is comprised of one or more contoured surfaces 900 configured for focusing solar radiation toward solar energy collector 710. According to an embodiment of the invention, lens 104 is advantageously selected to include a lens that performs similar to a Fresnel lens. In this regard, it should be understood that such a lens can be a thin, flat optical lens having concentric grooves configured for modifying a path of incident light. It should also be understand that such a lens can be formed of a material that is suitable for a particular solar energy collection system 100 application. For example, the lens can be comprised of a light weight material, such as a plastic.

According to another embodiment of the invention, lens 706 is advantageously selected to include a Fresnel lens. The Fresnel lens is a thin, flat optical lens having concentric grooves configured for modifying a path of incident light. Fresnel lenses are well known to persons skilled in the art. Thus, Fresnel lenses will not be described in great detail herein.

However, it should be appreciated that the Fresnel lens can be selected of a type that is suitable for a particular solar concentrator application. Such Fresnel lens types can include a positive Fresnel lens, a negative Fresnel lens, a Fresnel lens array, a circular Fresnel lens, a linear Fresnel lens, and a Fresnel reflection lens. Additionally, the Fresnel lens can be manufactured using any technique common in the art for tooling such an optical lens. Such techniques can include tooling techniques and molding techniques.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the lens 706 can be comprised of one or more panels having shaped surface segments configured for modifying a path of incident light. The panels can be formed of glass or plastic. Such plastics can include an acrylic based plastic, a polymethyl-methacrylate based plastic, a polyvinyl chloride based plastic, a polycarbonate based plastic, and/or a high density polyethylene plastic. According to another embodiment of the invention, the lens 706 can be constructed of one or more panels having shaped surface segments, embedded optical materials (such as thin glass strips), or a combination of these two constructions. The panels can be formed of a transparent polyester film, a transparent polyimide film, or any other a transparent film suitable for an optic application. The thickness of the film can be contoured or varied to produce desired optical effects. If embedded elements are used, they can be adhered to the surface of the film or disposed between a transparent film layers.

According to an embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 10, the lens 706 is supported in position using non-porous membrane 722. In this regard, at least a portion of non-porous membrane 722 can be comprised of a transparent material configured for allowing an unobstructed passage of solar radiation through membrane 722. According to one embodiment, lens 706 can be attached to non-porous membrane 722 using any suitable attachment mechanism. For example, the attachment mechanism can be a bonding medium. The bonding medium can be selected as cement, an epoxy based adhesive, a polyester based adhesive, a urethane based adhesive or any other medium commonly used in the art. The adhesive can be applied at selected locations where lens 706 contacts non-porous membrane 722. Alternatively, if a transparent adhesive is used, it can be applied over the entire contact surface between lens 104 and non-porous membrane 722. It should be appreciated that mechanical fasteners can also be used to attach lens 706 to non-porous membrane 722. In this regard, any suitable mechanical fastener can be used for this purpose.

According to another embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 11, lens 706 is comprised of a portion of the non-porous membrane 722. For example, non-porous membrane 722 can be comprised of a cut-out designed to frame the outer rim 802 of lens 706. The cut-out edge of membrane 722 and the outer rim 802 of lens 706 can be coupled together by any suitable means. For example, lens 104 can be attached with a bonding medium, stitching, thermal welding, ultrasonic welding or any other method. The bonding medium can be selected as cement, an epoxy based adhesive, a polyester based adhesive, a urethane based adhesive or any other medium commonly used in the art for similar purposes.

A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the size and weight of lens 706 can dictate the interior chamber's design (i.e., the type of high-strength material forming the interior chamber, the size of the interior chamber, and the specifications of any required support structure). A person skilled in the art will also appreciate that the aerial vehicle 600 can be selected as a near space vehicle. In such a scenario, the lift provided by the lift system 708 (i.e., the inflatable chamber filled with a lighter-than-air gas) is sufficient to transport the vehicle 600 to a near space altitude (for example, 60,000 feet above sea level).

A person skilled in the art will further appreciate that the vehicle 600 architecture is one embodiment of an architecture in which the methods described below can be implemented. However, the invention is not limited in this regard and any other suitable vehicle architecture can be used without limitation. For example, vehicle 600 can be comprised of a battery, a battery charging system, and/or a fuel based power generation system.

All of the apparatus, methods and algorithms disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the apparatus, methods and sequence of steps of the method without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the invention. More specifically, it will be apparent that certain components may be added to, combined with, or substituted for the components described herein while the same or similar results would be achieved. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the invention as defined. 

1. A solar energy collection system, comprising: a solar energy collector; a lens for said solar energy collector disposed at a location spaced apart from said solar energy collector; and a support structure for said lens, said support structure comprising an inflatable chamber defining an interior volume within which a gas is constrained.
 2. The solar energy collection system according to claim 1, wherein said chamber is comprised of a non-porous membrane.
 3. The solar energy collection system according to claim 2, wherein said lens comprises a portion of said non-porous membrane.
 4. The solar energy collection system according to claim 2, wherein said lens is supported in position by said non-porous membrane.
 5. The solar energy collector according to claim 1, wherein said lens is interposed between said solar energy collector and an anticipated location of a source of solar radiation.
 6. The solar energy collection system according to claim 1, wherein said lens is comprised of a transparent material.
 7. The solar energy collection system according to claim 1, wherein said lens has at least one contoured surface.
 8. The solar energy collection system according to claim 1, wherein said lens is a Fresnel lens or a lens with the performance of a Fresnel lens.
 9. The solar energy collection system according to claim 1, wherein said lens has at least one surface shaped for modifying a path of incident light.
 10. The solar energy collection system according to claim 1, wherein said solar energy collector comprises at least one device selected from the group consisting of a solar concentrating collector, a flat-plate collector, and a photovoltaic cell.
 11. The solar energy collection system according to claim 1, wherein said gas is lighter than air.
 12. The solar energy collection system according to claim 10, wherein said inflatable chamber comprises a portion of a lift system for a vehicle.
 13. The solar energy collection system according to claim 1, wherein said lens is comprised of a plurality of individual smaller lenses which together comprise an array of lenses or light reflectors.
 14. A method for collecting solar energy, comprising: exposing a solar energy collector to a source of solar radiation; positioning a lens for said solar energy collector at a location spaced apart from said solar collector; and supporting said lens at said location using an inflatable chamber defining an interior volume within which a gas is constrained.
 15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising constraining said gas within said chamber with a non-porous membrane.
 16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising forming at least a portion of said lens from said non-porous membrane.
 17. The method according to claim 15, further comprising supporting said lens in position with said non-porous membrane.
 18. The method according to claim 14, further comprising positioning said lens between said solar energy collector and an anticipated location of a source of solar radiation.
 19. The method according to claim 14, further comprising concentrating incident solar energy toward said solar energy collector.
 20. The method according to claim 14, further comprising selecting said lens to be a Fresnel lens or a lens with the performance of a Fresnel lens.
 21. The method according to claim 14, further comprising selecting said gas to have a weight or mass that is lighter than air.
 22. The method according to claim 14, further comprising using lift provided by said inflatable chamber to transport said solar energy collector to a near space altitude.
 23. The method according to claim 14, further comprising forming said lens from a plurality of smaller lenses which together form an array of lenses. 